If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your love of wine into a profession—or simply deepening your understanding of what’s in your glass—there’s never been a better time to start. Across the country, exceptional wine schools and university programs are helping students master everything from viticulture and winemaking to wine service and sensory science. Whether you’re looking for an academic degree, a sommelier-level certification, or an evening tasting class, there’s a program near you.
Below, you’ll find an overview of wine schools by state, highlighting standout programs that shape the next generation of wine professionals.
Alabama
Alabama’s growing wine scene is supported by the Alabama Wine Academy, which offers structured classes for beginners and professionals alike. Students can explore foundational wine knowledge, beverage service, and food pairing through a regional lens that reflects the Southeast’s emerging wine culture.
California
No state rivals California for wine education opportunities. The Napa Valley College Viticulture & Enology Program remains a top choice for students who want to study winemaking at the heart of America’s most famous wine region. Nearby, Santa Rosa Junior College offers respected coursework in vineyard management and sensory evaluation, while California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) blends agricultural science with business insight.
Private and professional options also abound. Learn About Wine School in Los Angeles (formerly WineLA) offers certification courses and consumer classes, while The Wine House and Neptune School of Wine provide serious study programs for trade professionals seeking advanced credentials.
Colorado
Colorado’s altitude and growing number of vineyards have inspired several excellent education programs. The Grappolo Food & Wine School and Southeastern Beverage Education both offer classes geared toward hospitality and wine service. The International Wine Guild, headquartered in Denver, provides formal certification programs recognized throughout the United States and beyond.
Maryland
Maryland’s wine education scene is anchored by Maryland Wine Schools, a group of instructors and industry professionals offering wine appreciation and certification courses across the state. The growing number of wineries in the region provides students with valuable local tasting experiences and industry connections.
Massachusetts
In New England, Massachusetts stands out as a center for wine appreciation and certification. Local programs often collaborate with national education providers, offering WSET-style courses as well as regional tasting series. While formal degree programs are limited, Massachusetts Wine Schools and private educators provide accessible paths for enthusiasts to earn recognized credentials.
Michigan
Home to a thriving wine industry along the Great Lakes, Michigan State University offers one of the most respected wine and viticulture programs in the Midwest. Students gain hands-on experience through research vineyards and sensory labs while exploring cold-climate grape varieties unique to Michigan.
Nevada
Las Vegas may be known for hospitality, but it’s also home to serious wine education. The Wine Academy of Las Vegas offers structured training for hospitality professionals and aspiring sommeliers. Its courses focus on service, blind tasting, and the business side of wine—skills that align perfectly with the city’s world-class restaurant scene.
New Jersey
The NJ Wine School brings professional wine certification programs to the Garden State. With convenient evening and weekend courses, it’s a strong choice for those balancing work and study. Graduates often move into careers in restaurants, distribution, and education throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.
North Carolina
In the South, Vitis House has become a standout. Based in Raleigh, this modern wine school offers advanced wine certifications and workshops on viticulture, tasting technique, and food pairing. Vitis House emphasizes approachability and professional development—making it a great option for both industry newcomers and seasoned beverage professionals.
Oregon
Oregon has long been a leader in sustainable winemaking, and its academic programs reflect that. Linfield University in McMinnville offers degrees in Wine Studies, Viticulture, and Wine Management, with close ties to the Willamette Valley’s renowned wineries. Students benefit from fieldwork, tastings, and internships that bridge the classroom and the vineyard.
Pennsylvania
Philadelphia remains one of the East Coast’s most dynamic wine education hubs. The Wine School of Philadelphia (and its national affiliate, the National Wine School) offer stackable certifications that build from foundational studies to advanced and master-level credentials. Students learn directly from industry experts, blending sensory science, wine history, and real-world tasting techniques.
Texas
Texas wine is booming, and so is its education network. The Dallas Wine Education Center provides professional-level wine instruction and tasting courses, while the Texas Wine School in Houston offers both introductory and advanced certification programs. In the Hill Country, the Hill Country Wine Academy combines regional vineyard experiences with classroom learning.
Utah
Utah boasts an unexpectedly strong wine education community. The Wine Academy of Utah in Salt Lake City runs professional wine and spirits programs, and the Fox School of Wine / Culinary Wine Institute in Park City offers accessible classes for enthusiasts who want to explore global wine regions. Both emphasize responsible tasting, professional development, and community engagement.
Virginia
The Virginia Wine & Spirits Academy has quickly become a major player in the Mid-Atlantic. Based in the heart of Virginia wine country, the school offers a comprehensive range of courses—from beginner tastings to professional certification. Students benefit from immersive, hands-on training and exposure to the region’s rapidly growing wineries.
Washington
Washington’s reputation for serious wine study continues to expand. The Cellar Muse Wine School in Seattle provides structured coursework in wine tasting, service, and global wine regions. Meanwhile, Wine Enthusiast Academy offers flexible online and in-person options that blend convenience with expert-led education.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s wine education scene is developing fast, with Wisconsin Wine Schools leading local instruction. Their programs focus on wine appreciation, pairing, and regional exploration—an ideal entry point for those beginning their wine journey in the Midwest.
Finding the Right Wine School for You
When choosing a wine school, consider your career goals and preferred learning environment. University programs offer deep academic study in viticulture and enology, while professional academies emphasize sensory training, service, and certification. For hospitality workers, local programs can provide immediate career benefits. For enthusiasts, community classes are a rewarding gateway into the world of wine.
Wherever you live—whether it’s a vineyard-lined coast or a city wine bar—there’s a program designed to help you grow your knowledge, refine your palate, and join the vibrant world of wine education.
For a complete overview, see our guide to wine schools and programs